# Phloretin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/phloretin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one, Apple polyphenol, Dihydrochalcone, PHT, Apple phenolic compound, Trihydroxydihydrochalcone ## Overview Phloretin is a dihydrochalcone polyphenol found predominantly in apple skin and leaves that exerts antioxidant, antibacterial, and potential anticancer effects. Its primary mechanisms involve [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing via hydroxyl groups and disruption of bacterial phospholipid membranes. ## Health Benefits • [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties - functions as a plant-defense antioxidant compound (evidence: preliminary) • Antibacterial activity - damages bacterial cell membranes through hydroxyl group interactions with phospholipids (evidence: preliminary) • Potential cancer cell synergy - may enhance cisplatin effects in lung cancer cell lines A549, Calu-1, H838, H520 (evidence: in vitro only) • No human clinical benefits documented in the research dossier • Additional benefits remain unverified due to lack of human trials ## Mechanism of Action Phloretin scavenges [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through its phenolic hydroxyl groups, particularly at the 2', 4', 6', and 4-positions of its chalcone backbone, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and reducing oxidative stress markers. It disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity by interacting with phospholipid head groups via hydrogen bonding, increasing membrane permeability and causing ion leakage. In cancer research contexts, phloretin appears to inhibit glucose transporter GLUT2 and modulate cisplatin-induced apoptotic pathways, potentially enhancing cytotoxic drug uptake in tumor cells. ## Clinical Summary Most evidence supporting phloretin's benefits comes from in vitro cell studies and rodent models rather than human clinical trials, placing overall evidence strength at preliminary. Animal studies have demonstrated [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) at doses ranging from 10–50 mg/kg, with reductions in malondialdehyde and increases in superoxide dismutase activity. In vitro antibacterial studies show minimum inhibitory concentrations against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in the range of 64–256 µg/mL, though translation to human dosing remains unestablished. No large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans have been completed, and efficacy data in humans is essentially absent. ## Nutritional Profile Phloretin is a dihydrochalcone flavonoid compound (molecular formula C15H14O5, molecular weight 274.27 g/mol), not a whole food ingredient, so conventional macronutrient/micronutrient framing does not apply. Bioactive compound profile: Phloretin is the aglycone form of phlorizin (phloretin-2'-O-glucoside), formed via hydrolysis of phlorizin by gut microbiota or intestinal enzymes. It is found primarily in apple skin, apple juice, and apple-derived products at concentrations typically ranging from 0.1–5 mg/100g fresh weight in apple peel, with trace amounts in pear and strawberry. As a pure compound, it contains no protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Structurally, it possesses a resorcinol ring and a phloroglucinol ring connected by a three-carbon chain with two carbonyl groups, contributing to its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity (DPPH radical scavenging IC50 reported at approximately 15–30 µM in vitro). Bioavailability: oral bioavailability is limited due to poor aqueous solubility (~0.1 mg/mL at physiological pH); intestinal absorption occurs via passive diffusion and SGLT1 inhibition (phloretin is a known SGLT1/GLUT2 transporter inhibitor). Plasma concentrations after dietary intake from whole apples are typically in the nanomolar range (1–50 nM). First-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) converts phloretin to phloretic acid and other phenolic metabolites. Stability is pH- and light-sensitive; degrades under alkaline conditions. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available. Forms, standardization details, and safe dosing parameters have not been established in human research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Phloretin has not been evaluated in formal human safety trials, and no established tolerable upper intake level or therapeutic dose range exists for supplemental use. Because phloretin inhibits GLUT2 glucose transporters, it may theoretically potentiate [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management)-lowering effects of antidiabetic medications such as metformin or insulin, warranting caution in diabetic patients. Its potential to enhance cisplatin cytotoxicity suggests a possible interaction with chemotherapy agents, and use alongside oncology treatments should only occur under medical supervision. Safety during pregnancy and lactation is unknown due to absence of relevant human data, and supplemental use should be avoided in these populations. ## Scientific Research The research dossier contains no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for phloretin. Only in vitro studies are mentioned, including potential synergistic effects with cisplatin in lung cancer cell lines, but no PubMed PMIDs or specific study details are provided. ## Historical & Cultural Context No traditional medicine use or historical context is documented in the research dossier. The compound's traditional applications remain undocumented. ## Synergistic Combinations Quercetin, chlorogenic acid, catechins, procyanidins, cisplatin (in vitro only) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods are high in phloretin? Phloretin is found almost exclusively in apples and apple-derived products, concentrated primarily in apple skin and leaves rather than the flesh. Apple juice and cider contain phloretin's glycoside form, phlorizin, which is hydrolyzed to phloretin in the gut. Concentrations in apple peel typically range from 5–50 mg per 100g depending on variety and ripeness. ### Can phloretin help with blood sugar control? Phloretin inhibits the sodium-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 and glucose transporter GLUT2, which are involved in intestinal glucose absorption and hepatic glucose uptake respectively. Animal studies have shown reductions in postprandial blood glucose following phlorizin and phloretin administration, but no human clinical trials confirm this effect at supplemental doses. People taking antidiabetic medications should exercise caution due to potential additive glucose-lowering effects. ### Is phloretin safe to take as a supplement? No formal human safety trials have established a safe supplemental dose range for phloretin, and most available safety data comes from animal studies and in vitro research. At dietary levels obtained from apple consumption, phloretin is considered safe, but concentrated supplemental doses have not been rigorously tested for adverse effects. Individuals on glucose-lowering drugs, chemotherapy, or who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing. ### How does phloretin fight bacteria? Phloretin disrupts bacterial cell membranes by forming hydrogen bonds between its phenolic hydroxyl groups and the phospholipid bilayer, increasing membrane permeability and causing leakage of cellular ions and metabolites. This mechanism has been demonstrated against both gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli in vitro. Minimum inhibitory concentrations in laboratory studies typically fall between 64 and 256 µg/mL, though these concentrations have not been validated in human infection models. ### Does phloretin enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy? Preliminary in vitro research suggests phloretin may enhance the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin in certain cancer cell lines, possibly by inhibiting GLUT2-mediated glucose uptake and altering cellular energy metabolism in tumor cells, making them more vulnerable to drug-induced apoptosis. These findings are exclusively from cell culture studies and have not been replicated in human clinical trials. Any consideration of phloretin alongside chemotherapy must involve an oncologist due to unknown interaction risks. ### What is the current state of human clinical evidence for phloretin? Phloretin research remains largely limited to laboratory and animal studies, with no completed human clinical trials to date. Most evidence comes from in vitro cell culture experiments and preliminary animal models, meaning efficacy and safety in humans have not been established through rigorous clinical testing. Any health claims about phloretin in humans should be considered preliminary until larger, well-designed human studies are conducted. ### Does phloretin interact with chemotherapy medications or cancer treatments? In vitro studies suggest phloretin may enhance cisplatin effects in certain lung cancer cell lines, but this has only been demonstrated in laboratory conditions, not in humans. If you are undergoing chemotherapy or cancer treatment, you should consult your oncologist before taking phloretin supplements, as the interaction potential with your specific medications is unknown. Do not use phloretin as a self-treatment strategy alongside chemotherapy without medical supervision. ### How much phloretin should I take daily, and is there a recommended dosage? There is no established recommended daily dosage for phloretin supplements because human clinical trials establishing safe and effective doses have not been completed. Most supplement doses are based on preliminary research and vary widely between products, making standardized guidance impossible at this time. Consumers should follow the manufacturer's label instructions, but be aware that these recommendations lack clinical validation in humans. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*